Starting block



E; M. MILLER STARTING BLOCK May 2, 1950 Filed Nov. 26, 1948 O om.

on" "28 M991.

. IN VEN TOR. [/ZV00Q' /V/ 7Z7/6F Patented May .2, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to starting blocks used in connection with athletic running tracks.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a, starting block which is easily attachable to the ground or can be removed therefrom in an easy manner. wherein the grippin elements are a part of a lever which can be depressed to engage the elements with the ground or which by depressing an arm can be elevated, whereby to eliminate the need for a hammer and spikes for the securing of such blocks to the ground.

Other objects of the present invention are to provide a starting block which is of simple construction, light in weight, has long life, easy to handle. easy to set up or remove, inexpensive to manufacture and eificient in operation.

For other objects and for a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the starting block embodying the features of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the startin block taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the starting block.

Referring now to the figures, Ill represents a base, made preferably of aluminum and having a raised and rearwardly inclined portion I l which has an opening l2 therein across which there is extended a basket weave or knurled finish I3 against which the foot of the runner is placed. This surface will provide adequate support for the foot and the foot will not be readily slid thereover.

At the rear of the base H] are upstanding lugs l4 and I5 between which is extended a rod I6. A lever I1 is connected to the rod to pivot thereon and this lever when it is tilted in one direction will extend gripping spikes l8 through openings IS in the base H) and into the ground as shown in Fig. 2. Spikes I8 are curved and are pointed at their ends as indicated at 2|. When the spikes are extended into the ground, arm 22 of the lever carrying the spikes lies flush upon the base l0. Another arm 23 extends rearwardly and upwardly and serves as a release arm against which the foot can be placed to lift the arm 22 and the spikes 2| out of the ground. When the spikes are extended into the ground, the foot is placed on the arm 22.

The blocks are placed on the track in the desired position. The runner or his trainer then steps on the lever at the base of the block, this lever drives the curved spikes, which are attached to it, into the ground. These spikes securely hold the block in place. After the runner has started, the blocks may be removed in a simple and efiicient manner by stepping on the angled arm 23 at the rear of the block, that has been moved to an upwardly inclined position when the spikes were first pressed into the ground. Stepping on the arm 23 quickly withdraws the spikes from the ground.

While various changes may be made in the detail construction, it shall be understood that such changes shall be within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A starting block comprising a base having an upstanding projection against which a foot may be placed, a foot operated lever having angled arms pivoted upon the base, one of the arms having spikes adapted to be extended through the base and into the ground upon the lever being pivoted, the other arm extending upwardly and rearwardly when the one arm with the spikes is down whereby pressure of the foot upon said last arm will pivot said arm to withdraw the spikes from the ground.

2. A startin block comprising a base having an upstanding projection against which a foot may be placed, a foot operated lever having angled arms pivoted upon the base, one or the arms having spikes adapted to be extended through the base and into the ground upon the lever being pivoted, the other arm extending upwardly and rearwardly whe the one arm with the spikes is down whereby pressure of the foot upon said last arm will pivot said arm to withdraw the spikes from the ground, said upstanding portion on the base being rearwardly inclined and having a roughened surface thereon against which the foot can be extended.

3. A starting block as defined in claim 1, and said spikes being rearwardly curved and pointed.

ELWOOD M. MILLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 519,964 Neilen May 15, 1894 1,306,114 Koval June 10, 1919 2,004,172 Niday June 11, 1935 

